EN 17353
Visibility in medium-risk situations
Back to overviewProtection through improved visibility: EN 17353 standard for workwear in medium-risk environments
EN 17353 is the European standard for clothing that improves the visibility of workers in medium-risk situations. This standard ensures that employees are more visible thanks to fluorescent colors (during the day) and/or reflective material (visible in the dark when illuminated, such as by headlights).
An important difference with EN ISO 20471 (also known as high risk) is that with EN 17353, the clothing can also comply with reflective material alone.
What does EN 17353 entail?
The EN 17353 standard sets requirements for visible workwear in medium-risk situations. The clothing helps employees stand out through fluorescent fabrics, reflective material, or a combination of both.
The standard has three types:
Type A: fluorescent material only
- Minimum 0.24 m² fluorescent surface area
- Colors: yellow, orange, red, but also yellow-green and pink are permitted
- 360° visible, but position requirements are less strict than for EN ISO 20471
Type B: reflective material only (with bands at least 2 cm wide)
- B2: >0.018 m² reflective surface, around the limbs → makes movement visible
- B3: >0.08 m² reflective surface, around the torso → makes presence visible
The difference between medium risk (EN 17353) and high risk (EN ISO 20471). When does which standard apply?
The choice depends on the employer's risk assessment.
- Low risk: No protective clothing required
- Medium risk EN 17353: This standard applies to work environments where visibility is important, but where there is no direct traffic or life-threatening situations. Examples include warehouses, industrial sites, and dimly lit workspaces. Clothing may consist of fluorescent or reflective material only.
- High risk EN ISO 20471: This standard is mandatory for work along roads, on construction sites, or in heavy traffic. Much stricter requirements apply here to the quantity, placement, and combination of fluorescent and reflective material. Only clothing that complies with EN ISO 20471 offers sufficient protection in these situations.
Hydrowear mainly uses EN 17353 for reflective bands (Type B) in medium-risk situations. For clothing that is both fluorescent and reflective, we apply the high-risk standard EN ISO 20471. This keeps the distinction between the two standards clear.
Symbol and technical requirements of EN 17353
Clothing that complies with EN 17353 can be recognized by the EN 17353 pictogram.
The standard sets the following requirements:
- Use of fluorescent or reflective material, or a combination thereof
- Sufficient surface area of visible material according to type classification
- 360° visibility of the wearer in all working conditions
Where do you use EN 17353 workwear?
Clothing with EN 17353 is used in situations where visibility is important, but not at the highest risk level.
Common applications and sectors:
- Warehouses and logistics centers
- Work in twilight or on indoor sites without traffic
- Companies where the movement of employees (arm or leg bands) must be clearly visible
For situations along public roads or on high-risk construction sites, always choose EN ISO 20471.
Training EN 17353: Effective use of workwear for visibility in medium-risk situations
EN 17353 focuses on visibility in situations where high visibility is not mandatory, but where there is an increased risk. The training provides insight into the application of fluorescent and reflective materials according to this standard, including combinations that are suitable for daylight, twilight, and artificial lighting. Relevant for organizations that want to tailor clothing selection and visibility to medium risks.